We are a 60-something straight couple in the middle of Iowa, a state not currently known for its progressive views.

We are people of faith, church-goers since childhood, committed to the teachings and ways of Jesus.

And we fly a pride flag on our home, rotating it with the American flag as we see fit.

Why do we fly a pride flag?

I was hoping you would ask ...

We fly it for our neighbors, all of them, but especially for those who are part of the LGBTQ community -- we want them to know that they are loved and celebrated in all their beautiful diversity.

We fly it for any gay kiddos who might walk or drive by our home -- we want them to see a visible sign of support from one of their neighbors. Who knows, it just might save a life.

We fly it for parents and grandparents of gay kiddos -- we want them to know we support them and their amazing children and grandchildren.

We fly it for our non-affirming neighbors -- not because we have an axe to grind, but because we want them to know that we, just their regular old neighbors, affirm the dignity and humanity of all people. Maybe our flag will create curiosity.

We fly it because hate and bigotry have gotten awful loud these days -- and as our flag flies proudly in the wind, we pray it releases more love into the atmosphere.

We fly it because we believe in Jesus, the one who always moved in love toward the margins, especially toward people the religious and political leaders oppressed, excluded, or wounded, and therefore we should also move in love toward people who are being oppressed, excluded, or wounded by the religious and political leaders of today.

We fly it because we really do believe that when Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with our whole hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves, he really meant it.

We fly our pride flag for Meg, Amanda, Kate, Christy, Dennis, Sheri, Chuck, Hanna, Mike, Keith, James, Scott, Diane, Mike, Deb, Jon, Chad, Lisa, Gena, Joel, Mike, Rita, Ruby, Asa, John, Stewart, Mickey, Rich, Trevor, Frank, Mark, Karla, Shawn, Calli, Ally, Sam, Ryleigh, Jen, Kyle, Ben, Austin, Adam, Matt, Martin, June, Kristi, Tina, David, Brian, Lynn, Chris, Corey, Aaron, Kendra, Bill, Neil, Emily, Brent, Maddy, Jen, Susie, Mitch, Nancy, Jeremy, Emily, Diane, Whitney, Erica, Brett, Joan, Jim, Ann, Pat, Wes, Adam, Shannon, Cassidy, Noelle, Dean, Doug, Curtis, Renee, Skyler, Archer, Don, Marty, Elena, Penny, Gita, Nava, Aditi, Lisa, Marshall, and so so many more. (Forgive me if I didn't mention you!)

We love you.

We are proud to fly our pride flag.